Each year, truck manufacturers all over the U.S. build demo vehicles to display at the industry’s biggest trade shows. Builders want you to experience everything they have to offer first hand, and these demo vehicles help them do just that. Like every other vehicle, these demos are built to meet the industry’s highest quality and manufacturing standards, as well as standards for performance in the field. And while these demo vehicles might not have all the exact, customized features your department is looking for, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a specialized vehicle.

To help explain why your department should consider a demo for its next truck purchase, here are the 5 benefits of buying a demo apparatus:

1. Discounted Pricing Versus Custom-Built Apparatus

One of the most noticeable differences between a demo and a custom-built apparatus is the price, which can reflect savings of up to 5%. Because demos aren’t necessarily built to follow a department’s specific plan, there’s usually less planning, less labor, and fewer customized components to build and install on the truck. For example, rather than configuring the storage compartments to specifically hold the gear your department is outfitted with, manufacturers will use a typical design that works for the majority of firefighting equipment.

2. Access to the Newest Features and Latest Technology from Vendors

While certain components on a demo apparatus might be standardized to reduce selling price, this doesn’t mean the whole truck is built that way. Demo vehicles give vendors the opportunity to showcase what they’re capable of offering, and you won’t wow anybody with a non-specialized, standard apparatus. Vendors want buyers to know they can equip their trucks with the latest technology and features, and they make it a point to include as many of these new products in their demo vehicles as possible.

3. Ready for Service

Did you know the majority of warrantable concerns happen within the 1st year of owning an apparatus or that engine break-in periods are rarely met with new apparatus before being put into service? These are finely tuned pieces of machinery being operated by highly trained professionals, and if something isn't working correctly it won't take long for your crew to notice. And while demo vehicles might not be used for active service during their tradeshow tour, they’re constantly being tested, inspected, and operated on while on the road. That way, if there ever were any problems with the demo truck, our technicians will have had ample to time to search for, diagnose, and remedy those problems before it’s sold.

4. Pre-Sold Demos Provide Customization and Affordability

Though many demo vehicles are built without a specific buyer in mind, departments can work out an agreement with manufacturers to build pre-sold demos. In this situation, a department can receive a discount for allowing manufacturers to use their customized truck as a demo vehicle for a set period of time before putting it into service. The department has the ability to design the truck to their needs, and may also be able to take advantage of vendor-supplied items at no cost because the truck will be on display at shows and be seen at other departments. Though your department will have to wait for show season to end before you can you get your truck, it’s an excellent way to get a customized apparatus at a discounted price.

5. Ability to “Alter” Demo Vehicles to Meet Your Custom Needs

While the majority of demo vehicles really can’t be altered once they’ve been built, there are certain instances where manufacturers do have the ability to make minor alterations to the original design. For example, maybe you’d like an LED light bar as opposed to the beacon-style light bar. Small changes like this can be made without much extra work, but the amount of changes you can make will vary from demo to demo. If you see something you wish could change on a demo apparatus, always be sure to ask the manufacturer about any customization options. You might be able to tweak some things in your favor.

For more information about any of our apparatus, please visit our Products Page or contact one of our fire and emergency sales specialists today!